Variable pitch flexible needle

ABSTRACT

Disclosed embodiments include flexible tube assemblies, flexible needle assemblies, systems, methods of fabricating a flexible tube, and methods of fabricating a flexible needle. In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a flexible tube assembly includes: a flexible tube having a proximal end with a proximal strain relief section and a distal end with a distal strain relief section, the proximal strain relief section being located between the proximal end and the distal strain relief section and the distal strain relief section being located between the distal end and the proximal strain relief section, the distal end defining an opening therein, at least a portion of at least one of the proximal strain relief section and the distal strain relief section defining therein a spiral cut with a continuously variable pitch; and tubing disposed in an airtight manner over an exterior surface of the flexible tube at least the portion of the at least one of the proximal strain relief section and the distal strain relief section defining therein the spiral cut with a continuously variable pitch.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

Disclosed subject matter in this application is related to subjectmatter disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/778,049, filedFeb. 26, 2013, entitled “Lung Biopsy Needle,” and published on Aug. 29,2013 as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0225997, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by this reference.

FIELD

Disclosed embodiments relate to a flexible needle for biopsying tissueand/or delivering fluid, medicine, or other material to regions ofinterest.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background informationrelated to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

Early diagnosis of potentially cancerous tissue is an important step inthe treatment of cancer because, the sooner that cancerous tissue can betreated, and the better the patient's chances are for survival. Typicaldiagnostic procedures involve biopsying tissue at a site of interest. Inthe case of lungs, lung cancer can be difficult to diagnose due to thedifficulties in accessing airways near areas of interest. Areas ofinterest may present as lung nodules-small tissue masses in the lungthat may range in size between 5-25 mm—that typically are biopsied toascertain whether the tissue therein is cancerous or otherwise diseased.

Existing systems typically are constrained by difficulties in accessinglung nodules, especially in the smaller peripheral airways that may betoo narrow to accommodate larger catheters and biopsy apparatuses.Further, biopsy needles normally are straight and relatively inflexible.Thus, the biopsy needles can limit the articulation of a bronchoscope orcan be difficult to pass through a working channel of a bronchoscopewhen the bronchoscope is articulated around a tight corner. In someinstances, the material of the needle may inelastically yield, which canresult in a bent needle that is difficult to control. In addition, thestraight biopsy needles obtain samples along an axis of the needlethrough back and forth cycling of the needle. Thus, obtaining multiplesamples from different regions of a single nodule, for example, can bedifficult and can require repeated repositioning of the bronchoscope orguide sheath, for example.

Conventional flexible needle technology can help permit better access toregions of interest, such as lymph nodes, by helping allow greaterendoscope angulation. Needle flexibility is typically achieved via aspiral hole that is laser cut through the needle's wall along theneedle's length at its distal end. The laser cut section of the flexibleneedle typically is covered by a thin layer of heatshrink material toprevent creation of an open path between the interior of the needle andthe exterior of the needle through the needle's wall (hereinafterreferred to as a “shunt”) and to allow for tissue aspiration via avacuum from the needle tip through its entire length.

With high needle angulations achieved due to the increased flexibility,the heatshrink material may be under compression or tension stress. Thatstress is the greatest at both ends where the laser cut ends and theneedle tube becomes inflexible (that is, solid) again because theheatshrink needs to go past the laser cut to avoid creation of a shuntand to ensure proper coverage. The high stresses where the laser cutends may possibly lead to tearing or cracking of the heatshrink, therebyhelping to create a shunt and helping lead to the loss of vacuum,thereby adversely impacting the needle's ability to aspirate tissue.

SUMMARY

Disclosed embodiments include flexible tube assemblies, flexible needleassemblies, systems, methods of fabricating a flexible tube, and methodsof fabricating a flexible needle.

In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a flexible tube assemblyincludes: a flexible tube having a proximal end with a proximal strainrelief section and a distal end with a distal strain relief section, theproximal strain relief section being located between the proximal endand the distal strain relief section and the distal strain reliefsection being located between the distal end and the proximal strainrelief section, the distal end defining an opening therein, at least aportion of at least one of the proximal strain relief section and thedistal strain relief section defining therein a spiral cut with acontinuously variable pitch; and tubing disposed in an airtight mannerover an exterior surface of the flexible tube at least the portion ofthe at least one of the proximal strain relief section and the distalstrain relief section defining therein the spiral cut with acontinuously variable pitch.

In another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a flexible needleassembly includes: a flexible needle having a proximal end with aproximal strain relief section, a distal end with a distal strain reliefsection, and an intermediate section disposed intermediate the proximalend and the distal end, the proximal strain relief section being locatedbetween the proximal end and the intermediate section and the distalstrain relief section being located between the distal end and theintermediate section, the distal end defining a tip configured to piercetissue, the proximal strain relief section defining therein a spiral cutwith a continuously variable pitch that varies from a first pitch valueto a second pitch value that is greater than the first pitch value, theintermediate section defining therein the spiral cut with asubstantially constant pitch with the second pitch value, the distalstrain relief section defining therein the spiral cut with acontinuously variable pitch that varies from the second pitch value to athird pitch value that is greater than the second pitch value; andtubing disposed in an airtight manner over an exterior surface of theflexible needle from the proximal end to the distal end.

In another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a system includes: asheath; a flexible tube assembly disposed in the sheath, the flexibletube assembly including: a flexible tube having a proximal end with aproximal strain relief section and a distal end with a distal strainrelief section, the proximal strain relief section being located betweenthe proximal end and the distal strain relief section and the distalstrain relief section being located between the distal end and theproximal strain relief section, the distal end defining an openingtherein, at least a portion of at least one of the proximal strainrelief section and the distal strain relief section defining therein aspiral cut with a continuously variable pitch; and tubing disposed in anairtight manner over an exterior surface of the flexible tube at leastthe portion of the at least one of the proximal strain relief sectionand the distal strain relief section defining therein the spiral cutwith a continuously variable pitch; and a medical device operativelycoupled to the flexible tube.

In another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a method offabricating a flexible tube assembly includes: providing a flexible tubehaving a proximal end with a proximal strain relief section and a distalend with a distal strain relief section, the proximal strain reliefsection being located between the proximal end and the distal strainrelief section and the distal strain relief section being locatedbetween the distal end and the proximal strain relief section, thedistal end defining an opening therein; defining in at least a portionof at least one of the proximal strain relief section and the distalstrain relief section a spiral cut with a continuously variable pitch;and disposing tubing in an airtight manner over an exterior surface ofthe flexible tube at least the portion of the at least one of theproximal strain relief section and the distal strain relief sectiondefining therein the spiral cut with a continuously variable pitch.

In another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a method offabricating a flexible needle assembly includes: providing a flexibleneedle having a proximal end with a proximal strain relief section and adistal end with a distal strain relief section and an intermediatesection disposed intermediate the proximal end and the distal end, theproximal strain relief section being located between the proximal endand the intermediate section and the distal strain relief section beinglocated between the distal end and the intermediate section, the distalend defining a tip configured to pierce tissue; defining in the proximalstrain relief section a spiral cut with a continuously variable pitchthat varies from a first pitch value to a second pitch value that isgreater than the first pitch value; defining in the intermediate sectiona spiral cut with a substantially constant pitch with the second pitchvalue; defining in the distal strain relief section a spiral cut with acontinuously variable pitch that varies from the second pitch value to athird pitch value that is greater than the second pitch value; anddisposing tubing in an airtight manner over an exterior surface of theflexible needle from the proximal end to the distal end.

Further features, advantages, and areas of applicability will becomeapparent from the description provided herein. It should be understoodthat the description and specific examples are intended for purposes ofillustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the presentdisclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and arenot intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, withemphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of thedisclosed embodiments. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view in partial schematic form of anillustrative flexible tube assembly.

FIG. 2A is a side plan view in partial schematic form and in partialcutaway of an embodiment of a flexible tube assembly.

FIG. 2B is a side plan view in partial schematic form and in partialcutaway of another embodiment of a flexible tube assembly.

FIG. 2C is a side plan view in partial schematic form and in partialcutaway of another embodiment of a flexible tube assembly.

FIG. 2D is a side plan view in partial schematic form and in partialcutaway of another embodiment of a flexible tube assembly.

FIG. 3A is a side plan view in partial schematic form and in partialcutaway of another embodiment of a flexible tube assembly.

FIG. 3B is a side plan view in partial schematic form and in partialcutaway of another embodiment of a flexible tube assembly.

FIG. 4 is a side plan view in partial schematic form and in partialcutaway of another embodiment of a flexible tube assembly configured asa flexible needle assembly.

FIG. 5 is a side plan view in partial schematic form and in partialcutaway of an embodiment of a flexible needle assembly.

FIG. 6A is a flowchart of an illustrative method of fabricating aflexible tube assembly.

FIG. 6B illustrates details of the flowchart of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a flowchart of an illustrative method of fabricating aflexible needle assembly.

FIG. 7B illustrates details of the flowchart of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a handle that may be used to manipulate andcontrol embodiments of flexible needle assemblies described herein.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view in partial schematic form of a system thatincludes the flexible tube assembly of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is notintended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

Various embodiments of a flexible tube assembly, a flexible needleassemble, and a transbronchial needle aspiration system and its relatedcomponents and parts will now be described with reference to theaccompanying figures. The terminology used in the description presentedherein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictedmanner. Rather, the terminology is simply used in conjunction with adetailed description of embodiments of the assemblies, systems, methodsand related components. Furthermore, embodiments may comprise severalnovel features, no single one of which is solely responsible for itsdesirable attributes or is believed to be essential to practicing thedisclosed embodiments herein described. For example, while referencesmay be made herein to using the embodiments described herein with termssuch as “lung,” “airway,” “nodule,” and so forth, these terms are broadand the embodiments described may be used without limitation and unlessotherwise indicated can be used to access to other vessels, passages,lumens, body cavities, tissues, and organs present in humans andanimals. For example, lumens such those in as the gastrointestinalsystem (that is, intestines) may be accessed with the embodimentsdescribed herein.

Given by way of overview and referring to FIG. 1, an illustrative,non-limiting embodiment of a flexible tube assembly 100 is shown. Aswill be discussed herein, embodiments of this flexible tube assembly100, as well as the other embodiments described herein, may be used inconjunction with existing systems and methods for locating, navigatingto, and biopsying regions (e.g., lung nodules, lymph nodes) of interestand/or delivering fluid, medicine, or other material to regions ofinterest. Use of embodiments in which the flexible tube assembly 100 isembodied as a flexible needle can permit biopsying tissue and cells in amuch larger area and over a wider range of angles compared to existingsystems, and certain embodiments allow for greater articulation of abronchoscope or endoscope so as to gain access to tortuous areas of theanatomy. Accordingly, the use of such embodiments can provide increasedsample quality, greater diagnostic yields, and a reduction of erroneousdiagnostic results (that is, false positives or negatives). It will benoted that although bronchoscopes are referred to herein, otherendoscopes may be usable (such as gastric endoscopes and colonoscopes).As such, other lumens may be explored, navigated to, and biopsied usingthe embodiments described herein.

Still by way of overview and still referring to FIG. 1, in anillustrative, non-limiting embodiment of the flexible tube assembly 100a flexible tube 102 has a proximal end 104 with a proximal strain reliefsection 106 and a distal end 108 with a distal strain relief section110. The proximal strain relief section 106 is located between theproximal end 104 and the distal strain relief section 110 and the distalstrain relief section 110 is located between the distal end 108 and theproximal strain relief section 106. The distal end 108 defines anopening 112 therein. At least a portion of the proximal strain reliefsection 106 and/or the distal strain relief section 110 defines thereina spiral cut (not shown in FIG. 1) having a continuously variable pitch.Tubing 114 is disposed in an airtight manner over an exterior surface ofthe flexible tube 102 from at least the portion of the at least one ofthe proximal strain relief section and the distal strain relief sectiondefining therein the spiral cut with a continuously variable pitch.

Now that an overview has been provided, details will be set forth belowby way of non-limiting examples and not of limitation.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the tube 102 may be made of any suitablematerial and may have any size as desired for a particular application.Given by way of non-limiting example, the tube 102 may be made of metalor metal alloy, such as stainless steel like American Iron and SteelInstitute (“AISI”) type 304 stainless steel, other stainless steels,plastics, nitinol or the like. Also by way of non-limiting example, thetube 102 may be made from a hypotube. In such embodiments, the tube 102may be a 19 gauge hypotube, a 20 gauge hypotube, a 21 gauge hypotube, a22 gauge hypotube, a 25 gauge hypotube, a 27 gauge hypotube, or thelike, depending on size and flexibility constraints of particularapplications. In such embodiments, the hypotube suitably is constructedto be relatively smooth along at least a proximal portion such that whenintroduced into a device such as a catheter lumen, for example butwithout limitation, the hypotube is able to relatively freely slide,rotate, or otherwise move along the lumen.

Still referring to FIG. 1, in various embodiments the tubing 114includes heatshrink tubing. In such embodiments, the heatshrink tubing114 is disposed in an airtight manner over an exterior surface of theflexible tube 102 from at least the portion of the proximal strainrelief section 106 and/or the distal strain relief section 108 thatdefines therein a spiral cut with a continuously variable pitch. Thatis, in such embodiments the heatshrink tubing 114 covers the entirety ofthe spiral cut wherever it is defined and the heatshrink tubing 114extends past the end of the spiral cut. As such, the heatshrink tubing114 can help to prevent creation of a shunt, can help to allow fortissue aspiration via a vacuum from the needle tip (in embodiments inwhich the tube assembly 100 is a flexible needle assembly) through theentire length of the flexible tube assembly 100, and can also help intransport of fluid, medicine, or other material to regions of interestthrough the entire length of the flexible tube assembly 100 and deliverythereof through the opening 112 in some other embodiments. Theheatshrink tubing 114 can also act as an electrical insulator inembodiments in which the flexible tube 102 functions as an electrode.

It will be appreciated that flexibility of the flexible tube 102 may betailored as desired for a particular application. The flexibility can bechanged, for example, by modifying the thickness of the wall of theflexible tube 102, the materials used therein, and the spacing, pitch,and angle between the lines in the spiral cut. In some embodiments, thelines in the spiral cut are cut with a thickness between about 0.0010and about 0.0025 inches, and suitably in a range between about 0.0015and about 0.0020 inches. It will be appreciated that the spiral cut mayhave any pitch values as suitable for providing desired flexibility fora given application. Higher pitch values result in less flexibility ofthe tube 102 than do lower pitch values and lower pitch values result inmore flexibility of the tube 102 than do higher pitch values. In someembodiments, portions of the spiral cut may have pitch values as high as0.120 or 0.150 and in some embodiments portions of the spiral cut mayhave pitch values as low 0.040, 0.060, or 0.080, as desired for aparticular application.

It will be appreciated that several embodiments of the flexible tubeassembly 100 may be suited for various applications as desired. Given byway of non-limiting example and referring to FIGS. 2A-2D, in someembodiments flexibility may be desired in only one portion of theflexible tube assembly 100. In some of these embodiments the spiral cut116 may be defined in only the proximal strain relief section 106 (FIGS.2A and 2B) or the distal strain relief section 110 (FIGS. 2C and 2D),depending upon where flexibility is desired. In some of theseembodiments, pitch value of the spiral cut 116 may continuously decreaseas the spiral cut 116 travels in a direction from the proximal end 104toward the distal end 108 (FIGS. 2A and 2C). In such embodiments, thelines in the spiral cut 116 continuously become closer together and thetube 102 becomes more flexible as the spiral cut 116 travels in adirection from the proximal end 104 toward the distal end 108. In someother of these embodiments, pitch value of the spiral cut 116 maycontinuously increase as the spiral cut 116 travels in a direction fromthe proximal end 104 toward the distal end 108 (FIGS. 2B and 2D). Insuch embodiments, the lines in the spiral cut 116 continuously becomefarther apart and the tube 102 becomes less flexible as the spiral cut116 travels in a direction from the proximal end 104 toward the distalend 108.

In some other embodiments, flexibility may be desired in more than oneportion of the flexible tube assembly 100. In such embodiments, thespiral cut 116 may be defined in both the proximal strain relief section106 and the distal strain relief section 110. In some of theseembodiments and referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the proximal strainrelief section 106 and the distal strain relief section 110 arecontiguous. In these embodiments, the proximal strain relief section 106defines therein the spiral cut 116 with a continuously variable pitchthat continuously varies from a pitch value PV₁ adjacent the proximalend 104 to a pitch value PV₂ that is different from the pitch value PV₁at a location intermediate the proximal end 104 and the distal end 108.Also, the distal strain relief section 110 defines therein the spiralcut 116 with a continuously variable pitch that continuously varies fromthe pitch value PV₂ at the location intermediate the proximal end 104and the distal end 108 to a pitch value that is different from the pitchvalue PV₂.

As shown in FIG. 3A, in one such embodiment the pitch value PV₁ isgreater than the pitch value PV₂ and the pitch value PV₃ is less thanthe pitch value PV₂. That is, pitch value of the spiral cut 116continuously decreases as the spiral cut 116 travels in a direction fromthe proximal end 104 toward the distal end 108. The lines in the spiralcut 116 continuously become closer together and the tube 102 becomesmore flexible as the spiral cut 116 travels in a direction from theproximal end 104 toward the distal end 108, with the tube 102 being mostflexible at the end of the spiral cut 116 near the distal end 108.

As shown in FIG. 3B, in another such embodiment the pitch value PV₁ isgreater than the pitch value PV₂ and the pitch value PV₃ is greater thanthe pitch value PV₂. That is, pitch value of the spiral cut 116continuously decreases as the spiral cut 116 travels to the locationintermediate the proximal end 104 and the distal end 108 in a directionfrom the proximal end 104 toward the distal end 108. Pitch value of thespiral cut 116 continuously increases as the spiral cut 116 travels fromthe location intermediate the proximal end 104 and the distal end 108 ina direction from the proximal end 104 toward the distal end 108. Thelines in the spiral cut 116 are closest together at the locationintermediate the proximal end 104 and the distal end 108 and the tube102 is most flexible at the location intermediate the proximal end 104and the distal end 108.

Referring additionally to FIG. 4, in some embodiments the flexible tube102 has an intermediate section 118 disposed intermediate the proximalend 104 and the distal end 108. In some such embodiments, theintermediate section 118 defines therein the spiral cut with asubstantially constant pitch that has the pitch value PV₂. In someembodiments the pitch value PV₁ is greater than the pitch value PV₂ andthe pitch value PV₃ is greater than the pitch value PV₂. That is, pitchvalue of the spiral cut 116 continuously decreases as the spiral cut 116travels to intermediate section 118 in a direction from the proximal end104 toward the distal end 108. Pitch value of the spiral cut 116continuously increases as the spiral cut 116 travels from theintermediate section 118 in a direction from the proximal end 104 towardthe distal end 108. The lines in the spiral cut 116 are closest togetherin the intermediate section 118 and the tube 102 is most flexible in theintermediate section 118.

In some embodiments the distal end 108 defines a piercing tip 120 thatis configured to pierce tissue. In such embodiments, the flexible tubeassembly 100 suitably is configured as a flexible needle. In someembodiments the flexible tube assembly 100 (in this case configured as aflexible needle) may be associated with a bronchoscope or endoscope. Asis known, the active section of a bronchoscope or endoscope entails themost flexibility in their applications. By locating the intermediatesection 118 within the active section of the bronchoscope or endoscope,the flexible tube assembly 100 (configured as a flexible needle) canhelp contribute to flexibility of a bronchoscope or endoscope. As such,the flexible tube assembly 100 (configured as a flexible needle) canhelp contribute to ability of a bronchoscope or endoscope to reach andaspirate tissue from regions of interest that may be difficult to reach,such as lymph nodes.

Thus, it will be appreciated that length of the proximal strain reliefsection 106, length of the distal strain relief section 110, pitch valueof the spiral cut 116 in the proximal strain relief section 106, andpitch value of the spiral cut 116 in the distal strain relief section110 may be selected as desired for flexibility of a particularapplication.

Referring additionally to FIG. 5, an illustrative flexible needleassembly 500 is representative of a flexible needle application of theflexible tube assembly 100 (configured as a flexible needle) shown inFIG. 4 and described above. Details of components that have beenexplained above, as indicated by like reference numbers, need not berepeated for an understanding of disclosed subject matter.

In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment of the flexible needleassembly 500, the flexible needle 102 (that is, a needle application ofthe flexible tube 102 described above) has the proximal end 104 with theproximal strain relief section 106, the distal end 108 with the distalstrain relief section 110, and the intermediate section 118 disposedintermediate the proximal end 104 and the distal end 108. The proximalstrain relief section 106 is located between the proximal end 104 andthe intermediate section 118, and the distal strain relief section 110is located between the distal end 108 and the intermediate section 118.The distal end 108 defines the piercing tip 120 configured to piercetissue. The proximal strain relief section 106 defines therein thespiral cut 116 with a continuously variable pitch that varies from apitch value PV₁ to a pitch value PV₂ that is greater than the pitchvalue PV₁. The intermediate section 118 defines therein the spiral cut116 with a substantially constant pitch with the pitch value PV₂. Thedistal strain relief section 110 defines therein the spiral cut 116 witha continuously variable pitch that varies from the pitch value PV₂ to apitch value PV₃ that is greater than the pitch value PV₂. The tubing 114is disposed in an airtight manner over the exterior surface of theflexible needle 102 from the proximal end 104 to the distal end 108. Invarious embodiments the tubing 114 includes heatshrink tubing.

In some embodiments, the flexible needle assembly 500 can be advanced toperipheral airways and can easily penetrate into the lung parenchyma. Insome embodiments, the flexible needle assembly 500 can penetrate tissueat a depth of at least 15 mm. It will be appreciated that, in variousembodiments, the flexible needle assembly 500 can penetrate tissue up toa depth of around 40 mm. In some embodiments, the distal end 108 of theflexible needle assembly 500 can articulate such that it can bend over90 degrees relative to a more proximal portion. In some embodiments andwhen inserted into a bronchoscope working channel (such as the BF-Pl80™bronchoscope manufactured by Olympus), the flexible needle assembly 500can articulate at least 130 degrees when the pircing tip 120 is flushwith the end of the bronchoscope. Due to its relatively low-profileconstruction, embodiments of the flexible needle assembly 500 may beminiaturized, in conjunction with a catheter or guide sheath, so as tofit into working channels (such as, of a bronchoscope) that are as smallas or smaller than 2.0 mm. For example, certain embodiments of theflexible needle assembly 500 can be used with small guide sheaths with aminimum inner diameter of 1.7 mm.

It will be appreciated that the flexible needle 102 is desirablyflexible such that a scope with which the flexible needle 102 isassociated (such as a bronchoscope or an endoscope) can achieve asufficiently large angle to aspirate tissue from a region of interest.Given by way of non-limiting example, sampling tissue from a lymph nodeentails approximately a ninety (90) degree bend in a bronchoscope. Whilethe flexible needle 102 entails the flexibility discussed above, theflexible needle 102 also entails sufficient column strength to axiallypush and transmit enough force so the flexible needle 102 can pushthrough tissue.

Embodiments described herein may be used with any suitable visualizationdevice, such as an ultrasound system, a navigation system, or the like.By using the flexible needle assembly 500, access to regions of interestin the lung or in other tissues can be easier and more straightforward,because the flexible needle assembly 500 is able to articulate, bend,and/or curve to a greater degree than a straight, inflexible needle, andindependently from the angle or articulation that a bronchoscope orendoscope may have at the same time. This may, for example, enablebiopsying of tissue at an angle close to perpendicular from thebronchoscope. In addition, the flexible needle assembly 500 can bend ina region between the piecing tip 120 and the distal end of anyprotective guide sheath or catheter. In other words, the flexibility ofthe flexible needle assembly 500 reduces the likelihood of perforatingthe working channel of the bronchoscope. The increased flexibility alsodecreases the radial forces exerted by the distal end 108 of theflexible needle assembly 500 during navigation through the workingchannel of the bronchoscope, for example but without limitation.

Although ultrasound has been found to be a suitable system forvisualization due to the relatively high penetration depth (at least 40mm) of ultrasound, other systems also may be used. In someconfigurations, if desired a spiral ultrasound probe can be used toprovide improved visualization over an ultrasound probe that providesvisualization in not only a single plane but in all directions. Othersystems for locating and navigating to tissues of interest, such as lungnodules and lymph nodes, may include using a bronchoscope with anoptical channel, fluoroscopy, optical coherence tomography, and magneticresonance imaging. Any other suitable navigation systems also can beused, including commercial systems using X-ray computed tomographyassisted visualization (such as, for example but without limitation, theBfNavi™ system sold by Olympus and the i-Logic™ system sold bySuperDimension). It will be appreciated that, in embodiments in which aplastic material is used for the flexible needle 102, some of thepreviously-listed navigation systems, such as as X-ray or the like, maynot be applicable.

The above context of flexibility and column strength entails aninterplay between pitch value of the spiral cut 116 and gauge andmaterial of the flexible needle 102. Regarding flexibility and pitchvalue, it will be appreciated that the lower the pitch value (that is,the tighter the spacing of the lines of the spiral cut 116) the moreflexible the portion of the flexible needle 102. In various embodiments,the intermediate section 118 corresponds to the section of a scope (suchas a bronchoscope or endoscope) associated with the flexible needle 102that entails the highest degree of flexibility. Likewise, in variousembodiments the distal end 108 entails a lower degree of flexibility(put another way, the distal end 108 is more rigid) than theintermediate section 118 to help the piercing tip 120 pierce tissue.

Accordingly, in some embodiments the pitch value in the proximal strainrelief section 106 may begin toward the proximal end 104 with the pitchvalue PV₁ on the order of around 0.120 or 0.150 or so and continuouslydecreases toward the pitch vlue PV₂ at the intermediate section 118.Conversely, the pitch value in the distal strain relief section 110 maybegin with the pitch value PV₂ at the intermediate section 118 and endtoward the distal end 108 with the pitch value PV₃ on the order ofaround 0.120 or 0.150 or so. It will be appreciated that pitch is usedconventionally to indicate length for one revolution. It will also beappreciated that pitch values associated with the proximal strain reliefsection 106 and the distal strain relief section 110 can assume a seriesof incrementally increasing or decreasing pitches according toconventional definitions of pitch value or, as used in the presentapplication, the pitch value may be, effectively, an intaneous pitch.

In such embodiments the pitch value PV₂ in the intermediate section 118is substantially constant and is less than the pitch values PV₁ and PV₃.As mentioned above, in some embodiments the pitch values PV₁ and PV₃ maybe equalized at a value of around 0.120 or 0.150 or so. Because theintermediate section 118 passes through the section of a scope (such asa bronchoscope or endoscope) associated with the flexible needle 102that entails the highest degree of flexibility, in various embodimentsthe substantially constant pitch value PV₂ suitably is less than thepitch values PV₁ and PV₃. In some embodiments, the pitch value PV₂ maybe on the order of around 0.040, 0.060, 0.080, or the like, as desiredfor a particular application.

It will be appreciated that with high angulations of the flexible needle102 achieved due to increased flexibility imparted by the spiral cut 116and choice of material and gauge, the tubing 114 is under compression ortension stress. It will further be appreciated that the stress is thegreatest at both ends (that is, the proximal end 104 and the distal end108) where the spiral cut 116 ends and the flexible needle 102 becomesinflexible (solid) again because the tubing 114 needs to go past thespiral cut 116 to avoid shunt creation and ensure proper coverage. Itwill be appreciated that overly high stresses where the spiral cut 116ends (for example, if the flexible needle 102 is too flexible at theends of the spiral cut 116) can lead to tearing or cracking of thetubing 114, thereby possibly helping lead to creation of a shunt and theresultant loss of vacuum, which can adversely impact ability of theflexible needle assembly 500 to aspirate tissue.

To that end, pitch value at the ends of the spiral cut 116 in theproximal strain relief section 106 and at the end of the spiral cut 116in the distal strain relief section 110 is selected to have a value thatis sufficiently high to provide a suitably low amount of flexibility(or, conversely, a suitable amount of rigidity) to mitigate strain onthe tubing 114, thereby helping to protect the tubing 114. The localizedstress experienced by the tubing 114 at the proximal end 104 and thedistal end 108 is mitigated by the creation of stress relievingtransition zones (that is, the proximal strain relief section 106 andthe distal strain relief section 110) between the flexible portion (thatis, the intermediate section 118) and the uncut (solid) portion of theneedle 102 beyond the ends of the spiral cut 116. The continuouslyvariable pitch of the spiral cut 116 that gets progressively bigger asit moves away from the intermediate section 118 (which is provided forincreased needle flexibility) to the proximal end 104 and the distal end108 has the effect of spreading the difference in stress over a longerarea and, simultaneously, gradually reducing the stress to lower levels.As a result, the continuously variable pitch of the spiral cut 116 inthe proximal strain relief section 106 and the distal strain reliefsection 110 can help to reduce stress concentrations due to high strainand can, therefore, help to mitigate strain on the tubing 114, therebyhelping to protect the tubing 114.

It will be appreciated that the length of the stress relief transitionzones (that is, the proximal strain relief section 106 and the distalstrain relief section 110) can vary in length and gradation of pitchvalue depending on a desired amount of flexibility for the flexibleneedle 102. That is, a more rigid needle does not need as much strainrelief compared to a highly flexible needle. Therefore, the appropriateamount of strain relief is needle dependent and can be adjustedaccordingly.

Regarding column strength, in some embodiments a pitch value PV₂ ofaround 0.050 in the intermediate section 118 may correlate to selectionof a high flexibility needle. In some other embodiments a pitch valuePV₂ of around 0.080 in the intermediate section 118 may correlate toselection of a medium flexibility needle. In some other embodiments apitch value PV₂ of around 0.110 in the intermediate section 118 maycorrelate to selection of a low flexibility needle. However, it will beappreciated that flexibility, gauge, and type of the flexible needle maybe selected as desired for a particular application. Thus, it will befurther appreciated that selection of the substantially constant pitchvalue PV₂ in the intermediate section 118 can help tune flexibility ofthe flexible needle assembly 500 to match flexibility requirements of ascope (such as a bronchoscope or endocope) associated with the flexibleneedle assembly 500.

In some embodiments it may be desirable to enhance echogenicity of theflexible needle assembly 500, especially in the vicinity of the piercingtip 120, in order to increase visibility of the piercing tip 120 by animaging system. In such cases, if desired the flexible needle 102 mayinclude echogenic enhancement features in the vicinity of the distal end108. Given by way of non-limiting example, in some embodiments theflexible needle 102 may define scribe lines 122 in a region that mayinclude portions of the intermediate section 118 and the proximal strainrelief section 110.

Following are a series of flowcharts depicting implementations. For easeof understanding, the flowcharts are organized such that the initialflowcharts present implementations via an example implementation andthereafter the following flowcharts present alternate implementationsand/or expansions of the initial flowcharts as either sub-componentoperations or additional component operations building on one or moreearlier-presented flowcharts. Those having skill in the art willappreciate that the style of presentation utilized herein (that is,beginning with a presentation of a flowchart presenting an exampleimplementation and thereafter providing additions to and/or furtherdetails in subsequent flowcharts) generally allows for a rapid and easyunderstanding of the various process implementations.

Referring now to FIG. 6A, an illustrative method 600 of fabricating aflexible tube assembly is provided. It will be appreciated thatembodiments of the method 600 may be suitable for fabricating, withoutlimitation, various embodiments of the flexible tube assembly 100 (FIGS.1, 2A-2D, 3A, 3B, and 4). The method 600 starts at a block 602. At ablock 604 a flexible tube having a proximal end with a proximal strainrelief section and a distal end with a distal strain relief section isprovided, the proximal strain relief section being located between theproximal end and the distal strain relief section and the distal strainrelief section being located between the distal end and the proximalstrain relief section, the distal end defining an opening therein. At ablock 606 a spiral cut with a continuously variable pitch is defined inat least a portion of at least one of the proximal strain relief sectionand the distal strain relief section. At a block 608 tubing is disposedin an airtight manner over an exterior surface of the flexible tube atleast the portion of the at least one of the proximal strain reliefsection and the distal strain relief section defining therein the spiralcut with a continuously variable pitch. The method 600 stops at a block610.

In various embodiments, defining in at least a portion of at least oneof the proximal strain relief section and the distal strain reliefsection the spiral cut with a continuously variable pitch at the block606 may be performed via a laser cutting process.

In various embodiments and referring additionally to FIG. 6B, disposingtubing in an airtight manner over an exterior surface of the flexibletube from the proximal end to the distal end at the block 608 mayinclude disposing heatshrink tubing in an airtight manner over anexterior surface of the flexible tube from the proximal end to thedistal end at a block 612.

Referring now to FIG. 7A, an illustrative method 700 of fabricating aflexible needle assembly is provided. It will be appreciated thatembodiments of the method 700 may be suitable for fabricating, withoutlimitation, various embodiments of the flexible tube assembly 100 thatis configured as a flexible needle assembly (FIG. 4) and the flexibleneedle assembly 500 (FIG. 5). The method 700 starts at a block 702. At ablock 704 a flexible needle having a proximal end with a proximal strainrelief section and a distal end with a distal strain relief section andan intermediate section disposed intermediate the proximal end and thedistal end is provided, the proximal strain relief section being locatedbetween the proximal end and the intermediate section and the distalstrain relief section being located between the distal end and theintermediate section, the distal end defining a tip configured to piercetissue. At a block 706 a spiral cut with a continuously variable pitchthat varies from a first pitch value to a second pitch value that isgreater than the first pitch value is defined in the proximal strainrelief section. At a block 708 the spiral cut is defined in theintermediate section with a substantially constant pitch that has thesecond pitch value. At a block 710 the spiral cut is defined in thedistal strain relief section with a continuously variable pitch thatvaries from the second pitch value to a third pitch value that isgreater than the second pitch value. At a block 712 tubing is disposedin an airtight manner over an exterior surface of the flexible needlefrom the proximal end to the distal end. The method 700 stops at a block714.

In various embodiments defining a spiral cut at the blocks 706, 708, and710 may be performed via a laser cutting process.

In various embodiments and referring additionally to FIG. 7B, disposingtubing in an airtight manner over an exterior surface of the flexibleneedle from the proximal end to the distal end at the block 712 mayinclude disposing heatshrink tubing in an airtight manner over anexterior surface of the flexible needle from the proximal end to thedistal end at a block 716.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an illustrative handle 1701 may be used tomanipulate and control embodiments of the flexible needle assembly 500described herein. The handle 1701 suitably is connected to a catheter1700 with a flexible needle hypotube therein, and the handle 1701 cancontrol extension of the flexible needle assembly 500 from the catheter1700.

In some other embodiments and referring now to FIG. 9, an illustrativesystem 1000 is provided. In various embodiments and given by way ofoverview, the system 1000 includes the flexible tube assembly 100 and amedical device 1002 that is operatively coupled to the flexible tube102.

Given by way of illustration only and not of limitation, in variousembodiments the system 1000 includes a sheath 1004. The flexible tubeassembly 100 is disposed in the sheath 1004. In various embodiments, thesheath 1004 is made of a suitable material for medical use in a body,such as a plastic, PTFE, or the like.

As discussed above and in various embodiments of the flexible tubeassembly 100, the flexible tube 102 has the proximal end 104 with theproximal strain relief section 106 and the distal end 108 with thedistal strain relief section 110. The proximal strain relief section 106is located between the proximal end 104 and the distal strain reliefsection 110 and the distal strain relief section 110 is located betweenthe distal end 108 and the proximal strain relief section 106. Thedistal end 108 defines the opening 112 therein. At least a portion ofthe proximal strain relief section 106 and/or the distal strain reliefsection 110 defines therein the spiral cut (not shown in FIG. 9) havinga continuously variable pitch. The tubing 114 is disposed in an airtightmanner over an exterior surface of the flexible tube 102 from at leastthe portion of the at least one of the proximal strain relief sectionand the distal strain relief section defining therein the spiral cutwith a continuously variable pitch.

The medical device 1002 is operatively coupled to the flexible tube 102.In various embodiments, the medical device 1002 may include a diagnosticmedical device having a diagnostic mode or a therapeutic medical devicehaving a therapeutic mode.

In some embodiments in which the medical device 1002 includes adiagnostic medical device having a diagnostic mode, the system 1000 maybe configured for aspiration of a sample from a site of interest. Insuch embodiments, the flexible tube 102 is configured as a flexibleneedle (such as in a manner as discussed above with reference to FIGS. 4and 5). Also, in such embodiments the diagnostic medical device 1002suitably includes a vacuum source, such as a syringe or a vacuum pump.

As discussed above, in some other embodiments the medical device 1002may include a therapeutic medical device having a therapeutic mode. Insome such embodiments the therapeutic medical device may include a fluidsource, such as a syringe or a pump. In such embodiments, the fluid mayinclude medicine, saline solution, or the like.

In some other such embodiments, the system 1000 may be configured foruse in ablation of tissue. In such embodiments, the flexible tube 102 isconfigured as an electrode and the therapeutic medical device includesan electrical power source. The system 1000 may be configured as amonopole system, in which the flexible tube 102 is a monopole electrodeand an electrically-conductive plate (not shown) placed under a patient(not shown) functions as another electrode. Alternately, the system 1000may be configured as a bipolar system, in which the flexible tube 102 isa primary electrode and a secondary electrode (not shown) is deployed tothe vicinity of the tissue to be ablated.

It will be appreciated that the present descriptions of the biopsysystems, apparatuses, and methods described herein as being used in alung and for lung nodules are not limiting, and that these embodimentsmay be used for biopsying, navigating, and locating areas of interest inother locations on a patient, including gastric, endoscopic, or othersuitable locations. Similarly, a bronchoscope is not necessary, andother suitable devices capable of accommodating the embodimentsdescribed herein may also be used, including without limitation variousendoscopes or laparoscopic cannulas.

It will also be appreciated that the detailed description set forthabove is merely illustrative in nature and variations that do not departfrom the gist and/or spirit of the claimed subject matter are intendedto be within the scope of the claims. Such variations are not to beregarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. An apparatus comprising: a flexible tube extendingbetween a proximal end and a distal end, the flexible tube including: aproximal strain relief section extending between a first proximal pointtoward the proximal end of the flexible tube and a first distal pointtoward the distal end and including a proximal spiral cut having acontinuously variable pitch; and a distal strain relief sectionextending between the first distal point and a second distal pointtoward the distal end and including a distal spiral cut having aconstant pitch.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the continuouslyvariable pitch of the proximal strain relief section decreases from afirst pitch at the first proximal point to a second pitch at the firstdistal point.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the constant pitchof the distal strain relief section is equal to the second pitch at thefirst distal point.
 24. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising athird strain relief section extending from the second distal pointtoward the distal end, wherein the third strain relief section includesa third spiral cut extending from the second distal point to a thirddistal point.
 25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the third spiralcut includes a second distal spiral cut having a second continuouslyvariable pitch.
 26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the secondcontinuously variable pitch of the second distal strain relief sectionincreases from the second pitch at the second distal point to a thirdpitch at the third distal point.
 27. The apparatus of claim 21, whereinthe distal end defines a tip configured to pierce tissue.
 28. Theapparatus of claim 21, further comprising tubing disposed in an airtightmanner over an exterior surface of at least a portion of the flexibletube including the proximal spiral cut and the distal spiral cut. 29.The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the tubing includes heatshrinktubing.
 30. An apparatus comprising: a flexible tube extending between aproximal end and a distal end, the flexible tube including: a proximalstrain relief section extending between a first proximal point towardthe proximal end of the flexible tube and a first intermediate pointtoward the distal end and including a proximal spiral cut having a firstcontinuously variable pitch; an intermediate distal strain reliefsection extending between the first intermediate point and a secondintermediate point toward the distal end and including an intermediatespiral cut having a constant pitch; and a distal strain relief sectionextending between the second intermediate point and toward the distalend, wherein the distal strain relief section includes a distal spiralcut extending from the second intermediate point to a distal point andhaving a second continuously variable pitch.
 31. The apparatus of claim30, wherein the first continuously variable pitch of the proximal strainrelief section decreases from a first pitch at the first proximal pointto a second pitch at the first intermediate point.
 32. The apparatus ofclaim 31, wherein the constant pitch of the intermediate strain reliefsection is equal to the second pitch at the first intermediate point.33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the second continuously variablepitch increases from the second pitch at the second intermediate pointto a third pitch at the third distal point.
 34. The apparatus of claim30, wherein the distal end defines a tip configured to pierce tissue.35. The apparatus of claim 30, further comprising tubing disposed in anairtight manner over an exterior surface of at least a portion of theflexible tube including the proximal spiral cut, the intermediate spiralcut, and the distal spiral cut.
 36. The apparatus of claim 35, whereinthe tubing includes heatshrink tubing.
 37. An apparatus comprising: aflexible needle extending between a proximal end and a distal end, theflexible tube including: a proximal strain relief section extendingbetween a first proximal point toward the proximal end of the flexibletube and a first distal point toward the distal end and including aproximal spiral cut having a continuously variable pitch; a distalstrain relief section extending between the first distal point and asecond distal point toward the distal end and including a distal spiralcut having a constant pitch; a tip configured to pierce tissue; andtubing disposed in an airtight manner over an exterior surface of atleast a portion of the flexible tube including the proximal spiral cutand the distal spiral cut.
 38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein thecontinuously variable pitch of the proximal strain relief sectiondecreases from a first pitch at the first proximal point to a secondpitch at the first distal point.
 39. The apparatus of claim 38, whereinthe constant pitch of the distal strain relief section is equal to thesecond pitch at the first distal point.
 40. The apparatus of claim 37,wherein the tubing includes heatshrink tubing.